anyhow

American  

[en-ee-hou] / ˈɛn iˌhaʊ /

adverb

1. in any way whatever.

2. in any case; at all events.

3. in a careless manner; haphazardly.

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anyhow British  

/ ˈɛnɪˌhaʊ /

adverb

1. in any case; at any rate

2. in any manner or by any means whatever

3. in a haphazard manner; carelessly

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Etymology

Origin of anyhow

First recorded in 1730–40; any + how ¹

Compare meaning

How does anyhow compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anyhow vs. anyway

Example Sentences

Most people can focus only for three or four hours at a stretch, anyhow, so trying to work for eight solid hours isn’t really an effective use of your attention span.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mama frowned and said, “That crazy old cow anyhow. Jay Berry, you be careful. I worry every time you go down in those bottoms.”

From Literature

I didn’t see how it could help me anyhow.

From Literature

“It’s kind of a relief . . . not being related to them. I don’t want to be like Mom and Dad, anyhow. But who am I for real? Who are my real parents?”

From Literature

I don’t want you to think I’m sidestepping that, or excusing it, or even forgiving it; it’s not for me to forgive, anyhow.

From Literature

Related Words

• anyway